U.S. history and the culmination of last week’s massacre in Atlanta, where a white man murdered eight people, including six Asian women, has sparked grief, outrage and a sense of helplessness across the U.S. Hate crimes against Asian Americans are not new. According to a recent study, attacks against Asian Americans have skyrocketed nearly 150% between 2019 and 2020. Researchers and analysts point the uptick to the late administration’s repeated use of racist rhetoric against Asian Americans and the origins of COVID-19.
As a Black American woman born and raised in Oakland, I know the importance and value of what it means to stand in unity. The rising number of racist crimes is even more disappointing following countless racial education and awareness campaigns resulting from the Black Lives Matter (#BLM) movement. Yet, this ignorance and these senseless violent racist acts are still on the rise and hurting people.
At Micron, we stand with our community and denounce violent and racist acts of all kind. In addition to sharing a public statement on the incident, Micron has pledged $100,000 to the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) organizations. Via Micron Gives, our charitable giving program, the company will also match team member donations to these organizations two to one.
Beyond financial contributions, I encourage everyone to be an ally, lend your ears and reach out to your community, friends and family during this hardship. Our voice is stronger when we stand together.
About Asian Americans Advancing Justice:
AAJC aims to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
About Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy:
AAPIP is a national membership organization dedicated to expanding and mobilizing philanthropic and community resources for underserved AAPI communities to build a more just and equitable society.
